Chilly Qingdao V: Sayonara Sakura

Our flight out was in the afternoon, so we had some time in the morning to do some sightseeing. A local partner mentioned that we can catch the tail-end of Sakura season in Qingdao, so we decided to make a trip to Zhongshan Park although it was drizzling. So different from the several days we spent cooped up indoors. The irony of it. From the hotel we walked to Renminhuitang Metro Station. The Metro staff actually stand at the entrance yelling warnings about the wet floor, and hand out plastic bags for umbrellas. Down in the station, passengers and bags need to go through security screening. Interesting to note that their restrooms are actually on the platform! The park was just a short walk away from Zhongshangongyuan Metro Station, but when we arrived, the drizzle had intensified.







Much to our disappointment, the cherry blossoms along the so-called Sakura Road had mostly ended up on the ground. The rain had killed whatever was leftover. Many a plan was dashed by the sudden downpour, but some were undeterred. Elderly folk who were there to dance, just danced. And some continued to play the harmonica under whatever shelter they could find. The park was actually pretty big, but we weren't interested on getting soaked, so we just quickly left.







A driver picked us before noon, and we gave him a little errand before sending us to the airport. We wanted to try the famous Laoshan Cola that our host told us about. Rumour has it that Coca-Cola bought over the brand, and restricted its sale to Qingdao. The local cola looks like Coke in terms of colour and packaging, but taste quite different. Laoshan Cola is actually a carbonated Chinese herbal drink! Very interesting.



Our local partner made sure that we left China with plenty of souvenirs. Each of us were given several big packs of jumbo red dates, and two cans of famous Laoshan green tea! That surprise gift made us scramble to repack our luggage. Luckily we had an extra hour to clear the check-in and immigration. Security was extremely tight with extra attention on power banks. And the pat down was pretty thorough. Too bad I got a woman at the checkpoint.



At Chek Lap Kok, I had a satisfying dinner of beef noodles from Chee Kei. Would gladly pay HKD100 for that dinner set compared to something from Old Town just next door.



Arrived in KL after 1:00 AM where I was kinda surprised to see the famous celebrity Cheng Pei Pei at the baggage belt. For some reason, 72-year-old Taiwanese actress was in a wheelchair and unaccompanied. The airport had arranged a member of the ground staff to assist her. An interesting ending to my China trip.